What do you think?
Rate this book
Bennett Family #1
Cooking Up Love
Is there anything more pathetic than a food critic who can’t cook? That’s Holly Darcy—secret socialite, wannabe author, lousy chef and “The Covert Connoisseur.” Feeling like a fraud for critiquing restaurants when she can’t boil a pot of water, Holly joins a cooking class for beginners…and quickly cooks up serious chemistry with the sexy instructor.
Mark Bennett was born to be a chef, but his foray into restaurant ownership fell far short of his dreams thanks to a scathing review from The Covert Connoisseur. Now teaching is the closest he will venture into a kitchen. Luckily the job comes with an unexpected perk: the attraction simmering between him and a curvy, clever writer with pinup-girl looks.
Flirting over pasta soon leads to passionate kisses and a sizzling relationship. But how can Holly be honest about her job when Mark blames his restaurant’s failure on her review? And when Holly’s secret is exposed, how will Mark be able to forgive her for ruining his life?
Mark Bennett was born to be a chef, but his foray into restaurant ownership fell far short of his dreams thanks to a scathing review from The Covert Connoisseur. Now teaching is the closest he will venture into a kitchen. Luckily the job comes with an unexpected perk: the attraction simmering between him and a curvy, clever writer with pinup-girl looks.
Flirting over pasta soon leads to passionate kisses and a sizzling relationship. But how can Holly be honest about her job when Mark blames his restaurant’s failure on her review? And when Holly’s secret is exposed, how will Mark be able to forgive her for ruining his life?
216 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2014
1 person is currently reading
61 people want to read
About the author
Amylynn Bright
36 books62 followersAmylynn read her first romance novel in 2008 after being a lifelong literary snob. By the time she was done, she was hooked.
She is an Arizona native and lives in the same house her husband owned before they were married. Amylynn fears she will never call another state home unless someone tells her husband there are forty-nine others to choose from. In reality, she'd settle for a walk-in closet.
Her family consists of the aforementioned husband, two beautiful children, two dogs, two cats, some fish, and a hankering for a panda. She'd like it mentioned she's never been in prison, but we'll see how that panda thing works out.
She is an Arizona native and lives in the same house her husband owned before they were married. Amylynn fears she will never call another state home unless someone tells her husband there are forty-nine others to choose from. In reality, she'd settle for a walk-in closet.
Her family consists of the aforementioned husband, two beautiful children, two dogs, two cats, some fish, and a hankering for a panda. She'd like it mentioned she's never been in prison, but we'll see how that panda thing works out.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
July 1, 2020
Amylynn Bright took a boring cliche and made it unique and believable. This heroine has a reason she can't cook, and I fully understood and trusted it. Cooking Up Love is funny, sexy, and with a great story, as all of her books are. Holly is strong, intelligent, and knows herself- she's not perfect but that just makes her lovable. Mark is a great hero funny, strong, and damaged.
This is a book I will read again.
This is a book I will read again.
June 2, 2014
My Review:
I picked up this book on a whim from NetGalley. I've never read the author before, but enjoy chef themed romances and this one was really fun. I loved the twist of a restaurant reviewer who is a complete catastrophe in the kitchen. And I did love Holly and her shoe collection.
Now, if you didn't do so before, go back and read the story description because this story is really a good one. Mark's dream has always been to own a restaurant. He thought he'd achieved it, but bad timing on a scathing review and he lost everything...including his will to do anything with his dream again. Now he's working construction for his brother and teaching night cooking classes at the local community college. He won't even discuss working in a kitchen again. Because of one reviewer, he lost everything including his confidence and ability to work in the kitchen. And Mark has no idea that Holly is that reviewer that he hates so much.
No one knows who Holly is and in her defense, she doesn't realize who she is to Mark for a good bit of the book. His restaurant failing is a sore spot that he doesn't discuss...so it takes a while to realize that she's that reviewer who he blames for everyone. By the time that happens, she's emotionally involved.
There are so many points and details about this book that I love. I love everything about the background of the story. I love how helpless and downright dangerous Holly is in the kitchen. The fact that she has FIVE fire extinguishers in her kitchen...so funny...and that she is fully aware and still wants to learn makes her admirable in so many ways. And honestly, you can't talk about this book without discussing Holly's shoes. They sound fabulous. I'm a shoe girl, but this book makes me want to embrace that even more. And I adore that Mark developed a shoe fetish because of it. The scenes with them and the shoes are so sexy and so fun!
Seriously, this is just a book that I flat-out enjoyed. It was happy. It was entertaining. There were the perfect levels of emotion. This is one of those books that makes me sad that Carina doesn't do more print because I'd love to have this on my keeper shelf. This is a great book to read when you are in need of a happy pick-me-up. I challenge you to read it and not leave with a smile on your face...and probably a need to go shoe-shopping too. How much are a pair of Manolo Blahnik shoes??
I received a complimentary copy of this book in return for an honest review.
I picked up this book on a whim from NetGalley. I've never read the author before, but enjoy chef themed romances and this one was really fun. I loved the twist of a restaurant reviewer who is a complete catastrophe in the kitchen. And I did love Holly and her shoe collection.
Now, if you didn't do so before, go back and read the story description because this story is really a good one. Mark's dream has always been to own a restaurant. He thought he'd achieved it, but bad timing on a scathing review and he lost everything...including his will to do anything with his dream again. Now he's working construction for his brother and teaching night cooking classes at the local community college. He won't even discuss working in a kitchen again. Because of one reviewer, he lost everything including his confidence and ability to work in the kitchen. And Mark has no idea that Holly is that reviewer that he hates so much.
No one knows who Holly is and in her defense, she doesn't realize who she is to Mark for a good bit of the book. His restaurant failing is a sore spot that he doesn't discuss...so it takes a while to realize that she's that reviewer who he blames for everyone. By the time that happens, she's emotionally involved.
There are so many points and details about this book that I love. I love everything about the background of the story. I love how helpless and downright dangerous Holly is in the kitchen. The fact that she has FIVE fire extinguishers in her kitchen...so funny...and that she is fully aware and still wants to learn makes her admirable in so many ways. And honestly, you can't talk about this book without discussing Holly's shoes. They sound fabulous. I'm a shoe girl, but this book makes me want to embrace that even more. And I adore that Mark developed a shoe fetish because of it. The scenes with them and the shoes are so sexy and so fun!
Seriously, this is just a book that I flat-out enjoyed. It was happy. It was entertaining. There were the perfect levels of emotion. This is one of those books that makes me sad that Carina doesn't do more print because I'd love to have this on my keeper shelf. This is a great book to read when you are in need of a happy pick-me-up. I challenge you to read it and not leave with a smile on your face...and probably a need to go shoe-shopping too. How much are a pair of Manolo Blahnik shoes??
I received a complimentary copy of this book in return for an honest review.
March 30, 2022
I adored Holly. It was so easy for me to connect with her. I could understand her love of food, her disasters in the kitchen, even her relationship phobias. The only time I didn’t love her as much was when she was running scared, but since the author did such a good job of painting the picture of the roll models Holly grew up with, it all made perfect sense. Jack left me yo-yo-ing back and forth. I loved him. I wanted to smack him. I wanted to hug the stuffing out of him. I wanted to commit bodily harm against him. Like Holly, all of his actions made perfect sense, but that didn’t stop me from being insanely frustrated by him. I loved the ending they were able to achieve. I felt it happened a little quickly for everything they needed to resolve, but it was everything sweet and perfect, and it made me so happy.
I received a complimentary copy of this book through Booksprout.
I received a complimentary copy of this book through Booksprout.
May 18, 2014
A food critic who can't cook? A chef who can cook but won't? COOKING UP LOVE is a fun and sexy take on the typical romantic comedy genre. BONUS: there's lots of talk about clothing and shoes as well as sex...yesss!
Food critic Holly Darcy is sick of burning water. After all, she's the über popular author of the Covert Connoisseur column, making or breaking restaurants with her popular column...she should be able to cook an egg. When she signs up for a beginners cooking class with the tasty instructor Mark Bennett, she finally feels like she's getting somewhere in the kitchen. She didn't anticipate the heat that the delectable Mr. Bennett evokes in her oven.
Mark has been in a bad place since his restaurant failed miserably, due in part, he believes, to a scathing review by the Covert Connoisseur. Stuck in a funk and unable to get past his fear of failure, Mark's life has been in a holding pattern until he starts teaching a cooking class. Immediately, Mark can't get his mind off the curvy little vixen in the crazy sexy shoe who doesn't know a pan from a Panini.
When he finally gets the courage to ask her out, the chemistry between the two fairly explodes. But as the couple grows closer, Holly knows it's only a matter of time before Mark realizes that she's the Covert Connoisseur, and with that realization they'll most certainly be done. How could Mark possibly be with someone he thinks has ruined his life?
COOKING UP LOVE was a surprising gem in the sea of standard issue rom-coms! Ms. Bright's sarcastic sense of humor totally enamored me to both Mark and Holly, and I really felt a vested interest in the two of them succeeding as a couple. Funny, romantic and downright sexy, COOKING UP LOVE features some LOL worthy sentences sprinkled throughout that I could instantly picture myself saying to my BFF's, adding to my enjoyment of the book.
The sexual tension between the two of them was perfect and I didn't even mind so much that the actual panty dropping scenes were delayed for awhile. Ms. Bright gave us just the right mixture of fun and frisky, and I adored that she didn't go the typical rom-com route and gloss over the sex scenes. They were all erotic yet tasteful, playful yet awkward at times. This couple is just so realistic and endearing that you just want to hug them both! Of course the outcome is predictable, but that just added to my personal enjoyment of watching them struggle with their priorities and feelings for each other. Great book, Ms. Bright!
Food critic Holly Darcy is sick of burning water. After all, she's the über popular author of the Covert Connoisseur column, making or breaking restaurants with her popular column...she should be able to cook an egg. When she signs up for a beginners cooking class with the tasty instructor Mark Bennett, she finally feels like she's getting somewhere in the kitchen. She didn't anticipate the heat that the delectable Mr. Bennett evokes in her oven.
Mark has been in a bad place since his restaurant failed miserably, due in part, he believes, to a scathing review by the Covert Connoisseur. Stuck in a funk and unable to get past his fear of failure, Mark's life has been in a holding pattern until he starts teaching a cooking class. Immediately, Mark can't get his mind off the curvy little vixen in the crazy sexy shoe who doesn't know a pan from a Panini.
When he finally gets the courage to ask her out, the chemistry between the two fairly explodes. But as the couple grows closer, Holly knows it's only a matter of time before Mark realizes that she's the Covert Connoisseur, and with that realization they'll most certainly be done. How could Mark possibly be with someone he thinks has ruined his life?
COOKING UP LOVE was a surprising gem in the sea of standard issue rom-coms! Ms. Bright's sarcastic sense of humor totally enamored me to both Mark and Holly, and I really felt a vested interest in the two of them succeeding as a couple. Funny, romantic and downright sexy, COOKING UP LOVE features some LOL worthy sentences sprinkled throughout that I could instantly picture myself saying to my BFF's, adding to my enjoyment of the book.
The sexual tension between the two of them was perfect and I didn't even mind so much that the actual panty dropping scenes were delayed for awhile. Ms. Bright gave us just the right mixture of fun and frisky, and I adored that she didn't go the typical rom-com route and gloss over the sex scenes. They were all erotic yet tasteful, playful yet awkward at times. This couple is just so realistic and endearing that you just want to hug them both! Of course the outcome is predictable, but that just added to my personal enjoyment of watching them struggle with their priorities and feelings for each other. Great book, Ms. Bright!
December 24, 2014
FOR MORE REVIEWS AND GIVEAWAYS, DO CHECJK OUT MY BLOG:
Cooking Up Love by Amylynn Bright
Cover: 5
Plot: 4
Characters: 4
Overall Rating: 4
A food critic who can't cook? Is that even possible? Well in this book it is.
Holly Darcy is a famous food critic who goes by with her alias as The Covert Connoisseur. But there's a problem. She doesn't know how to cook. So she decided to enroll in a cooking class taught by the hunky chef Mark Bennett. Sparks fly between them and soon they find themselves in a relationship. But when Holly is the one who Matt blames for the failure of his restaurant, how can there relationship ever work out?
Cooking Up Love was a book that was funny and passionate. The characters were funny and I loved how the book was written in a very light manner. Holly was sweet and sexy with her love for high end shoes and Mark was hot and a really great cook.
This book was short but I loved how the writer made the book not feel as if it was being rushed.
All in all, Cooking Up Love was a relay great book and I would love to read more from this author.
Received digital edition from publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review
Cooking Up Love by Amylynn Bright
Cover: 5
Plot: 4
Characters: 4
Overall Rating: 4
A food critic who can't cook? Is that even possible? Well in this book it is.
Holly Darcy is a famous food critic who goes by with her alias as The Covert Connoisseur. But there's a problem. She doesn't know how to cook. So she decided to enroll in a cooking class taught by the hunky chef Mark Bennett. Sparks fly between them and soon they find themselves in a relationship. But when Holly is the one who Matt blames for the failure of his restaurant, how can there relationship ever work out?
Cooking Up Love was a book that was funny and passionate. The characters were funny and I loved how the book was written in a very light manner. Holly was sweet and sexy with her love for high end shoes and Mark was hot and a really great cook.
This book was short but I loved how the writer made the book not feel as if it was being rushed.
All in all, Cooking Up Love was a relay great book and I would love to read more from this author.
Received digital edition from publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review
May 19, 2014
4 stars I liked it alot!
Holly is a successful food critic but she is a mess in the kitchen; she somehow finds a way to burn water. In an attempt to be able to do more than order takeout she takes a cooking class at the community college, an added benefit the teacher's behind looks fantastic in his jeans! Mark was a chef in his own restaurant until six months ago; when a review ruined it all. Now he is afraid that if he were to cook again no one would like his food. He would love to give that food critic a piece of his mind; he doesn't realize that the beautiful woman in his class is that same food critic.
I love to cook and it was nice to read a book with cooking a theme. Holly's problems in the kitchen made me smile. I really enjoyed her character. Amylynn Bright revealed parts of Holly's character slowly to the reader; and I especially like how some things were revealed by other characters. Mark was a hunky chef and it seems he can do it all. I sooo want the recipe for his drunk cupcakes. I think his family tip-toed around him since the restaurant closed and sort of enabled him. I question that no one in his past ever gave him a bad comment or review and that this one would crush him so; but it made a good storyline.
Easy read and I see some series potential as I think Sarah, Lee and Marisol are screaming for books of there own....I hope so and I will definitely read them. A great book for vacation.
I received this book from the publisher via NetGalley for my honest review.
Holly is a successful food critic but she is a mess in the kitchen; she somehow finds a way to burn water. In an attempt to be able to do more than order takeout she takes a cooking class at the community college, an added benefit the teacher's behind looks fantastic in his jeans! Mark was a chef in his own restaurant until six months ago; when a review ruined it all. Now he is afraid that if he were to cook again no one would like his food. He would love to give that food critic a piece of his mind; he doesn't realize that the beautiful woman in his class is that same food critic.
I love to cook and it was nice to read a book with cooking a theme. Holly's problems in the kitchen made me smile. I really enjoyed her character. Amylynn Bright revealed parts of Holly's character slowly to the reader; and I especially like how some things were revealed by other characters. Mark was a hunky chef and it seems he can do it all. I sooo want the recipe for his drunk cupcakes. I think his family tip-toed around him since the restaurant closed and sort of enabled him. I question that no one in his past ever gave him a bad comment or review and that this one would crush him so; but it made a good storyline.
Easy read and I see some series potential as I think Sarah, Lee and Marisol are screaming for books of there own....I hope so and I will definitely read them. A great book for vacation.
I received this book from the publisher via NetGalley for my honest review.
May 27, 2014
Review also posted on my blog imainlinefiction.blogspot.com
A very cute love story centered around cooking obviously! Holly Darcy is a food critic and would be romance author who can't cook and Mark Bennett is a chef who won't cook because one of Holly's reviews was the nail in the coffin for his first restaurant. They meet when Holly takes Mark's cooking class. The food isn't the only thing that is heating up- Holly and Mark generate some heat on their own. Of course, neither one knows who the other is until they already are deep into a relationship.
I enjoyed this book because it had a good plot, a nice touch of humor and enough spiciness to keep my interest. I also liked how the author resolved the major conflict between the two without making Holly totally the bad guy. Too often, these books go for the easy ending and don't recognize the faults on both sides. The ending was a perfect fit for the book and the characters.
A very cute love story centered around cooking obviously! Holly Darcy is a food critic and would be romance author who can't cook and Mark Bennett is a chef who won't cook because one of Holly's reviews was the nail in the coffin for his first restaurant. They meet when Holly takes Mark's cooking class. The food isn't the only thing that is heating up- Holly and Mark generate some heat on their own. Of course, neither one knows who the other is until they already are deep into a relationship.
I enjoyed this book because it had a good plot, a nice touch of humor and enough spiciness to keep my interest. I also liked how the author resolved the major conflict between the two without making Holly totally the bad guy. Too often, these books go for the easy ending and don't recognize the faults on both sides. The ending was a perfect fit for the book and the characters.
March 16, 2022
Amylynn Bright will draw you into the world of the Bennett Family and leave you rooting for an ending that you can't wait to see.... and leave you questioning the power of reviews and the act of reviwing for a long time to come.
This book beings with a great premise... a person who cannot cook but can portray the act of eating in words reviews a meal that is less than stellar. What impact does this have on the restaurateur? What happened in the kitchen before the dish came out? Does that matter? Should it matter? But, now I have to think... what is the power of the review and how do you know that you are reviewing the true place through only one dish?
This is the fundamental question that this funnier than anything story revolves around and what happens when fate reconnects the reviewer with the restaurateur? Sparks fly. Passions boil over. Hearts are called into question? And choices must be made and Fate is looked in the eye... what will happen? Well read along and find out... the journey and this story are well worth your time ;D
BUY THIS BOOK AND FIND OUT! These key questions not only drive the narrative, but they offer Bright the space to invite you along to watch these wonderful characters develop and read along as they spar with sparkling dialogue on a question that gives this novel a basis in the real world and invites you to not just enjoy a good novel, but really think about the power we have in each other's lives that we might not think twice about. I love when a novel has not just fun moment but something substantial holding it all together.
I read this book in two sittings, much to the chagrin of my laundry and dishes, and didn't feel any regret. When I was done, I immediately bought Book 2, Lee's story, and willingly hit speed dial for Take Out so I could see what happened next while the family didn't get anything close to Mark's level of cooking.
I cannot say enough good things about this book and if you are looking for a great read that will leave you with smile thinking about it two days later, than this is the book for you.
I received this book as an ARC for an honest review... and I'm so glad that it connected me with a wonderful author that is now on my Watch List.. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This book beings with a great premise... a person who cannot cook but can portray the act of eating in words reviews a meal that is less than stellar. What impact does this have on the restaurateur? What happened in the kitchen before the dish came out? Does that matter? Should it matter? But, now I have to think... what is the power of the review and how do you know that you are reviewing the true place through only one dish?
This is the fundamental question that this funnier than anything story revolves around and what happens when fate reconnects the reviewer with the restaurateur? Sparks fly. Passions boil over. Hearts are called into question? And choices must be made and Fate is looked in the eye... what will happen? Well read along and find out... the journey and this story are well worth your time ;D
BUY THIS BOOK AND FIND OUT! These key questions not only drive the narrative, but they offer Bright the space to invite you along to watch these wonderful characters develop and read along as they spar with sparkling dialogue on a question that gives this novel a basis in the real world and invites you to not just enjoy a good novel, but really think about the power we have in each other's lives that we might not think twice about. I love when a novel has not just fun moment but something substantial holding it all together.
I read this book in two sittings, much to the chagrin of my laundry and dishes, and didn't feel any regret. When I was done, I immediately bought Book 2, Lee's story, and willingly hit speed dial for Take Out so I could see what happened next while the family didn't get anything close to Mark's level of cooking.
I cannot say enough good things about this book and if you are looking for a great read that will leave you with smile thinking about it two days later, than this is the book for you.
I received this book as an ARC for an honest review... and I'm so glad that it connected me with a wonderful author that is now on my Watch List.. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 1, 2022
Mark and Holly . . .
Mark Bennett had a dream of owning a restaurant where he could pursue his joy of cooking. But his dreams were dashed when a scathing review by The Covert Connoisseur criticized the food. So now he works for his brother and is teaching cooking classes in a community college. He no longer trusts himself in a professional kitchen and has given it up.
Holly Darcy, a “food critic”, was ashamed of the fact that she absolutely cannot cook -- and literally cannot even boil water -- yet she mercilessly rips apart restaurants with her reviews. So she signed up for a beginner cooking class to at least get the basics. And the instructor immediately captures her attention.
As they pursue a relationship, Holly is blissfully unaware that her review destroyed Mark’s dream, nor does he know she is the deadly reviewer he blames for his failure. What will happen when they find out about their prior “connection”? Can he forgive her? Or will he walk away, angry at how his life has unfairly been devastated by an imposter?
Mark Bennett had a dream of owning a restaurant where he could pursue his joy of cooking. But his dreams were dashed when a scathing review by The Covert Connoisseur criticized the food. So now he works for his brother and is teaching cooking classes in a community college. He no longer trusts himself in a professional kitchen and has given it up.
Holly Darcy, a “food critic”, was ashamed of the fact that she absolutely cannot cook -- and literally cannot even boil water -- yet she mercilessly rips apart restaurants with her reviews. So she signed up for a beginner cooking class to at least get the basics. And the instructor immediately captures her attention.
As they pursue a relationship, Holly is blissfully unaware that her review destroyed Mark’s dream, nor does he know she is the deadly reviewer he blames for his failure. What will happen when they find out about their prior “connection”? Can he forgive her? Or will he walk away, angry at how his life has unfairly been devastated by an imposter?
March 31, 2022
This is the first book I’ve read by this author and definitely going to get book 2 in this series.
Holly is a good critic otherwise known as “The Covert Connoisseur”. But she has a big secret. She can’t cook, like at all. My youngest at 9 years old can cook better than her. So she decides to enroll in a cooking class at the local community college.
Mark was living his dream of owning his own restaurant. That is until one review from a food critic left him closing the doors for good. The closest he’s stepped into a kitchen is teaching at the local community college.
Holly and Mark hit it off immediately. I love these two together. But will Holly’s secret be revealed? What will Mark do when he finds out she was responsible.
Such a good read. Humorous and it had me smiling so much. Secondary characters we a great addition as well.
I received this arc and am voluntarily leaving my honest opinion.
Holly is a good critic otherwise known as “The Covert Connoisseur”. But she has a big secret. She can’t cook, like at all. My youngest at 9 years old can cook better than her. So she decides to enroll in a cooking class at the local community college.
Mark was living his dream of owning his own restaurant. That is until one review from a food critic left him closing the doors for good. The closest he’s stepped into a kitchen is teaching at the local community college.
Holly and Mark hit it off immediately. I love these two together. But will Holly’s secret be revealed? What will Mark do when he finds out she was responsible.
Such a good read. Humorous and it had me smiling so much. Secondary characters we a great addition as well.
I received this arc and am voluntarily leaving my honest opinion.
Read
March 25, 2022I was shocked that Holly could be a food critic and a terrible cook, but I guess you don’t need to be skilled in the kitchen to enjoy food. She’s attracted to her beginners cooking instructor Mark from the start especially when he’d rather flirt with her than her model looking best friend Marisol. I loved that Holly rocked a retro dressy style that looked well on her. But she keeps secrets. One of which is connected to Mark and his resentment over losing his restaurant. She shouldn’t have assumed her secret wouldn’t be a big deal to him. He also has a bit of an ego and is quick to anger over any criticisms of his cooking. Mark puts his foot in his mouth so many times I wasn’t sure if Holly would or should forgive him. Reading about all the yummy food created made me hungry and wish I was a better cook, not set off the smoke detectors bad like Holly, but more skilled.
May 13, 2022
Loved the characters of Mark and Holly, their personalities and backstories that cross with a twist, and their banter. The shoes and the fact she can not cook, but is a restaurant critic is hilarious. She meets Mark as he is her instructor for a cooking class and it snowballs from there. The secrets, drama, emotions, romance, tension when they find out who they are to one another, and much more, keeps you from putting the book down as you wait for the next issue. Loved the entertaining situations and the great ending.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 30, 2022
loved it !! a great start for a new series !! love Holly and Steve... this is their story.. a fast paced rom/drama... Holly is a food critic.. yet, she can't cook... at all.. Steve had a restaurant once upon a time.. a review killed it... his dream gone.. he teaches cooking at the community college at night... this is where they meet... and it's love at first sight... what happens when Steve finds out ..it was Holly's review.. can he ever forgive her ? can Holly ever forgive herself ? what a story... .
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 7, 2022
This rom-com is a great way to de-stress with lots of laugh-out-loud moments and witty dialogue. There's also friendship, familial love as well as mention of some hardships which make the story realistic and believable. I personally love to eat yet don't cook, so I could somewhat relate to Holly. A great start into a series from a new-to-me author.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 28, 2022
The first book in this series.
Holly meets Mark when she enrolls in the cookery classes he teaches. She is a secret restaurant reviewer but doesn't know how to cook. He lost his restaurant and is unsure what he wants to do next. Will they have a chance together when he discovers the secret she is keeping?
A great read - love the friends and family they have. Looking forward to the rest of the series.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Holly meets Mark when she enrolls in the cookery classes he teaches. She is a secret restaurant reviewer but doesn't know how to cook. He lost his restaurant and is unsure what he wants to do next. Will they have a chance together when he discovers the secret she is keeping?
A great read - love the friends and family they have. Looking forward to the rest of the series.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 2, 2023
A book of love with a bunch of comical errors
This is a book about a chef falling in love with a food critic. The food critic doesn't cook and takes the class with the chefs she gave a bad review of his restaurant. to. While the chef Doesn't know the she wrote the review. I love the characters in the interaction between them was very good. The ups and downs of their relationship made this read funny yet thoughtful.
This is a book about a chef falling in love with a food critic. The food critic doesn't cook and takes the class with the chefs she gave a bad review of his restaurant. to. While the chef Doesn't know the she wrote the review. I love the characters in the interaction between them was very good. The ups and downs of their relationship made this read funny yet thoughtful.
March 31, 2022
This book is a sweet romantic comedy. The characters Mark and Holly have a great connection. Who said you can't find that one who's right in front of you. This book is a page turner the storyline is great this book is a good read.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 12, 2022
Cute story!!
I thoroughly enjoyed the story! The story had a good amount of spice and the characters were fantastic!
I love the fact that Holly was still doing nice things for Mark even though he was a total mess.
I definitely recommend this book for a quick read!
I thoroughly enjoyed the story! The story had a good amount of spice and the characters were fantastic!
I love the fact that Holly was still doing nice things for Mark even though he was a total mess.
I definitely recommend this book for a quick read!
February 27, 2022
This book was so good and I definitely had trouble putting it down. I was so intrigued with the passion Holly and Mark shared for one another. I was not ready for this to end and I’m excited to read the next one in the series!
April 2, 2022
This was a great way to start a series. The characters were endearing. The story line was engaging and had me laughing out loud.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 4, 2023
It was a good story, I liked how it flowed. I would say though the ending felt rushed. I felt it could’ve ended at the restaurant, or could’ve let more time pass to heal from the restaurant scene 🤷♀️
Otherwise a great read! I really enjoyed it ❤️
Otherwise a great read! I really enjoyed it ❤️
June 4, 2014
This book is a bit shorter than expected, but it doesn't feel short. In the famous words of the original blond, it felt juuuust right.
You read the description, so no summary - let's just dive in. :)
Not only can Holly not cook, but she destroys food and kitchens like you wouldn't believe. What I loved about this is she's not flaky or helpless, she just sucks in the kitchen. And this made me want to stand on my desk and say, HOLLY, YOU ARE MY PEOPLE!
Mark is in a slump. He blames the loss of his restaurant...his dream...on that review. His family is absurdly happy he's teaching this "cooking for dummies" class barbecue at least it's in a kitchen.
Then Holly walks in with her gorgeous friend and Mark is taken by Holly's laugh and humor and intelligence and looks and smile...and shoes.
I loved them both right away. Although Mark is in a funk, he's not a jerk. And Holly may have clothes & shoes obsession to match the money she inherited, but she's no one's princess.
Finally, Mark asks her out and the sparks fly....luckily Mark is cooking so no actual sparks fly. This time.
Holly has inspired Mark to cook again. Their first date is truly his first time cooking anything beyond cutting carrots for his mother. And he goes all out to impress her... and she is impressed. The food is amazing and so is he. Then, they move out to the patio and the reader's stress begins.
This is the first scene where they hook up beyond a kiss and the tension is SO incredibly high because the reader knows it's going to come crashing down in the next scene after this. You don't know how, or when, or if they'll both know, or if one person will know, or anything...ANYTHING. And so you're reading this incredibly sexy scene with your stomach in your gut. The further they went, the more stressed I became. I was like, Stop! Stop and save yourselves before it's too late!
And Ms. Bright teases you with it. You begin to wonder if you're wrong. If nothing bad is coming. If they'll escape for this night. Will they? They might? But then what...even knowing that eventually they'll find out you keep rooting for them not to find out right now.
I actually stopped reading to tweet that I was loving a book and was desperate for it to be as good after this because of these scene.
And so, it goes on with the two of them being this truly lovely couple you're rooting for. Holly who didn't believe in love and Mark who needed it more than he knew. They're well on their way to a HEA...until they weren't.
Extended with spoilers: http://sadiesaysbooks.wordpress.com/2...
Solid 4 Stars! And hoping there's more to come from the family!
Romance: 8.5
Heroine: 9
Hero: 9
Laughter: 8
Heat: Yes. Also, a hero discovers his shoe fetish
Cheating: Nope
Series: I hope so!
Cliffhanger: No
This ARC was received thru NetGalley for an honest, unbiased review.
You read the description, so no summary - let's just dive in. :)
Not only can Holly not cook, but she destroys food and kitchens like you wouldn't believe. What I loved about this is she's not flaky or helpless, she just sucks in the kitchen. And this made me want to stand on my desk and say, HOLLY, YOU ARE MY PEOPLE!
Mark is in a slump. He blames the loss of his restaurant...his dream...on that review. His family is absurdly happy he's teaching this "cooking for dummies" class barbecue at least it's in a kitchen.
Then Holly walks in with her gorgeous friend and Mark is taken by Holly's laugh and humor and intelligence and looks and smile...and shoes.
I loved them both right away. Although Mark is in a funk, he's not a jerk. And Holly may have clothes & shoes obsession to match the money she inherited, but she's no one's princess.
Finally, Mark asks her out and the sparks fly....luckily Mark is cooking so no actual sparks fly. This time.
Holly has inspired Mark to cook again. Their first date is truly his first time cooking anything beyond cutting carrots for his mother. And he goes all out to impress her... and she is impressed. The food is amazing and so is he. Then, they move out to the patio and the reader's stress begins.
This is the first scene where they hook up beyond a kiss and the tension is SO incredibly high because the reader knows it's going to come crashing down in the next scene after this. You don't know how, or when, or if they'll both know, or if one person will know, or anything...ANYTHING. And so you're reading this incredibly sexy scene with your stomach in your gut. The further they went, the more stressed I became. I was like, Stop! Stop and save yourselves before it's too late!
And Ms. Bright teases you with it. You begin to wonder if you're wrong. If nothing bad is coming. If they'll escape for this night. Will they? They might? But then what...even knowing that eventually they'll find out you keep rooting for them not to find out right now.
I actually stopped reading to tweet that I was loving a book and was desperate for it to be as good after this because of these scene.
And so, it goes on with the two of them being this truly lovely couple you're rooting for. Holly who didn't believe in love and Mark who needed it more than he knew. They're well on their way to a HEA...until they weren't.
Extended with spoilers: http://sadiesaysbooks.wordpress.com/2...
Solid 4 Stars! And hoping there's more to come from the family!
Romance: 8.5
Heroine: 9
Hero: 9
Laughter: 8
Heat: Yes. Also, a hero discovers his shoe fetish
Cheating: Nope
Series: I hope so!
Cliffhanger: No
This ARC was received thru NetGalley for an honest, unbiased review.
June 30, 2014
Cooking up Love by Amylynn Bright is a summertime feel good foodie love story. It was a fun, flirty, yummy read that made my mouth water and my heart pound for these two wonderful characters.
Holly Darcy is a food critic who can't boil water without burning the pot. An aspiring romance author and secret heiress, she feels like a fraud, reviewing restaurants when she can't even cook. She signs up for a beginners cooking class trying to change all of that. What she doesn’t count on is the hot as sin cooking instructor, or finding out that she had given his now defunked restaurant a bad review.
Mark Bennett is a Paris trained chef, but due to bad choices in restaurant partners, a brush with the law and a bad review from The Covert Connoisseur, his dream of running his own restaurant is just that, a dream gone down in flames. He now spends his time working for his brother's construction company and teaching a beginners cooking class, afraid to put himself out there again, afraid to fail.
The sparks between Mark and Holly are white hot and not just in the kitchen, but when secrets are revealed, and feelings are hurt, these two need to decide if they want to play with the fire or if they are too afraid that they might get burned.
I really loved this book. At times Mark frustrated me, especially the way that he treated Holly after finding out her secrets. But in the end he redeemed himself and that made him more likable. I loved Holly’s character. She lived in a home where love was represented by volatile fighting and a turbulent marriage. She is afraid that she will end up like her parents, so she decides to never fall in love and tries to distance herself from her old family ties. In the end, she truly steps up to the plate and the decisions that she makes and the chances that she takes made me want to hug her. She grew as a character through the pages of this book. The cooking classes were laugh out loud funny and between Mark's family and Holly's friends, this book kept me laughing. It was truly a yummy read. If you are looking for a fun, flirty, fast paced foodie book, pick up a copy of Cooking up Love, I can guarantee that you will not be able to put it down. I gave this book 5 yummy stars.
Holly Darcy is a food critic who can't boil water without burning the pot. An aspiring romance author and secret heiress, she feels like a fraud, reviewing restaurants when she can't even cook. She signs up for a beginners cooking class trying to change all of that. What she doesn’t count on is the hot as sin cooking instructor, or finding out that she had given his now defunked restaurant a bad review.
Mark Bennett is a Paris trained chef, but due to bad choices in restaurant partners, a brush with the law and a bad review from The Covert Connoisseur, his dream of running his own restaurant is just that, a dream gone down in flames. He now spends his time working for his brother's construction company and teaching a beginners cooking class, afraid to put himself out there again, afraid to fail.
The sparks between Mark and Holly are white hot and not just in the kitchen, but when secrets are revealed, and feelings are hurt, these two need to decide if they want to play with the fire or if they are too afraid that they might get burned.
I really loved this book. At times Mark frustrated me, especially the way that he treated Holly after finding out her secrets. But in the end he redeemed himself and that made him more likable. I loved Holly’s character. She lived in a home where love was represented by volatile fighting and a turbulent marriage. She is afraid that she will end up like her parents, so she decides to never fall in love and tries to distance herself from her old family ties. In the end, she truly steps up to the plate and the decisions that she makes and the chances that she takes made me want to hug her. She grew as a character through the pages of this book. The cooking classes were laugh out loud funny and between Mark's family and Holly's friends, this book kept me laughing. It was truly a yummy read. If you are looking for a fun, flirty, fast paced foodie book, pick up a copy of Cooking up Love, I can guarantee that you will not be able to put it down. I gave this book 5 yummy stars.
August 3, 2016
I received this as an ARC from Netgalley for a honest review.
Holly can't cook, but she has a hell of a palate. She knows what tastes fabulous, but she couldn't cook it for you. So she signs up for a cooking class and meets Mark. She's in to him and he seems like he's in to her. They begin dating and everything is wonderful, they just fit. Until she finds out that he blames her review, her column for the fall of his restaurant.
Mark knows that the review from The Covert Connoisseur is the reason his restaurant failing. There was so many things going on but it was that one review that blew it all out of the water. He can't cook because he's afraid he'll fail again. So he works for his brother and he is teaching this cooking class. He's very interested in one of his students. They start dating and then he finds out that she's the column author.
I enjoyed this story. I thought it was a good idea. I didn't love that when things would go south they would just quit. I really didn't like the way Mark acted when he found out about her being the reviewer. In the end the story was good, I just questioned how he could let angry and hate win. Check it out! I'd love to hear what you think about this story.
Holly can't cook, but she has a hell of a palate. She knows what tastes fabulous, but she couldn't cook it for you. So she signs up for a cooking class and meets Mark. She's in to him and he seems like he's in to her. They begin dating and everything is wonderful, they just fit. Until she finds out that he blames her review, her column for the fall of his restaurant.
Mark knows that the review from The Covert Connoisseur is the reason his restaurant failing. There was so many things going on but it was that one review that blew it all out of the water. He can't cook because he's afraid he'll fail again. So he works for his brother and he is teaching this cooking class. He's very interested in one of his students. They start dating and then he finds out that she's the column author.
I enjoyed this story. I thought it was a good idea. I didn't love that when things would go south they would just quit. I really didn't like the way Mark acted when he found out about her being the reviewer. In the end the story was good, I just questioned how he could let angry and hate win. Check it out! I'd love to hear what you think about this story.
June 11, 2014
Received an ARC from NetGalley for an honest review.
I liked Mark and I like Holly, but I love Mark's family and wanted more of them, especially the mom, Lee and Sidney. Sarah? Not really a fan, but I guess because she was the "antagonist" that makes sense and she did try to redeem herself. I loved the cooking aspect, but it made me hungry. I will say that there were big chunks of things that were glossed over. I hadn't given any thought to the fact that she had a lot of money for shoes. Maybe the mystery should have been a little more pronounced?
Also, and this is just me being nitpicky, the f word was used quite a bit. Don't get me wrong, I don't mind it, but this was a cute, sweet story, so it seemed out of place.
All in all, I really enjoyed this book and will definitely read more of Amylynn Bright's if given the opportunity. I also really want Lee and Sarah's story...plus Marisol.
I liked Mark and I like Holly, but I love Mark's family and wanted more of them, especially the mom, Lee and Sidney. Sarah? Not really a fan, but I guess because she was the "antagonist" that makes sense and she did try to redeem herself. I loved the cooking aspect, but it made me hungry. I will say that there were big chunks of things that were glossed over. I hadn't given any thought to the fact that she had a lot of money for shoes. Maybe the mystery should have been a little more pronounced?
Also, and this is just me being nitpicky, the f word was used quite a bit. Don't get me wrong, I don't mind it, but this was a cute, sweet story, so it seemed out of place.
All in all, I really enjoyed this book and will definitely read more of Amylynn Bright's if given the opportunity. I also really want Lee and Sarah's story...plus Marisol.
December 10, 2014
This book was so much fun to read, infused with wit and a sardonic sense of humor. The heroine made me laugh, with her silly shoes and sad cooking. The story was clever and it was fun waiting for the other shoe to drop as the lovers don't realize who they are to each other. And then, angsting over how in the heck the hero was ever going to be able to forgive the heroine. Very entertaining!
December 31, 2014
This was a great read: sexy, funny and a bit tearjerky. Loved it. Also, am a sucker for a guy who can cook. ;)
August 7, 2015
This was such a cute story! I loved it!
June 23, 2017
I really enjoyed this book, but I felt we needed a little bit more back story on the main characters. How was Holly such a good food critic if she can't cook? Was it her well to do upbringing? And it would have been better to find out how horrible the working conditions for Mark were earlier. I am curious about the night she was at his original restaurant, what was going through both of their minds? I liked their chemistry and the writing. I just needed more.
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews